Read Acts 20:17-38 (Free Bible Version) on maBible, the Bible online. Other reference formats: Acts 20.17-38, Acts 20v17-38, Ac. 20:17-38. From Miletus Paul sent a message to the elders of the church in Ephesus. When they arrived, he told them, “You know how I always behaved while I was with you fr…
Other reference formats: Acts 20.17-38, Acts 20v17-38, Ac. 20:17-38.
17 From Miletus Paul sent a message to the elders of the church in Ephesus.
18 When they arrived, he told them, “You know how I always behaved while I was with you from the first day I arrived in the province of Asia.
19 I served the Lord in humility and in tears. I put up with the troubles and stress caused by the plots of the Jews.
20 However, I never held back from sharing with you anything that would be to your benefit, and I taught you in public, going from house to house.
21 I witnessed both to Jews and Greeks that it was essential to repent and turn to God, and to trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 Now the Spirit is insisting that I go to Jerusalem, and I have no idea what will happen to me there.
23 All I know is that in every city I visit the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and suffering are waiting for me.
24 But I don't consider my life as worth anything to me. I only want to finish my mission and the ministry that the Lord Jesus gave to me, to witness to the good news of the grace of God.
25 Now I am certain that you will not see my face again, you among whom I shared the news of the kingdom.
26 So I declare to you today that I am not responsible if anyone is lost.
27 I didn't hesitate to tell you everything God wants you to know.
28 Take care of yourselves and of all the flock, which the Holy Spirit has given to you to supervise. Feed the Lord's church which he bought with his own blood.
29 I know that after I leave vicious wolves will come among you, and won't spare the flock.
30 From among your own group men will rise up perverting what is right and good so they can lead believers to follow them.
31 So watch out! Don't forget that for three years I went on instructing all of you night and day, often crying over you.
32 Now I commit you to God's care and to the message of his grace, which is able to build you up and provide you with the inheritance that belongs to all who are kept right with him.
33 I never had any desire for anyone's silver or gold or clothing.
34 You know that I worked with my own hands to provide for my own needs, as well as for those who were with me.
35 I have given you an example in everything: work to help those who are weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
36 When he finished speaking, he kneeled down and prayed with all of them.
37 They all wept as they hugged and kissed him.
38 What upset them the most was what he said about never seeing him again… Then they walked down to the ship with him.
Author: Luc · Written: ~ 65 et 80 ap. J.-C. · Reading time: ≈ 2h40 · Characters: Etienne, Barnabas, Philippe, Pierre, Paul, Corneille, Prisca (Priscille) et Aquilas, Lydie, Silas (Sylvain), Timothée, Jean Marc